Are you a snowbird? How wonderful it is to be able to travel south to warmer weather over the winter. Before you fly or drive away, peruse the checklist of 15 items below to be sure you have your health and hearth protected.

Stop or forward your mail, magazines and newspapers

Arrange to have someone pick up papers and flyers that may accumulate

Arrange for snow removal at your property

Notify the phone company to put your bill on hold for the time you are away

Have your satellite/cable company suspend service while you are away

Inform your credit card company/s that you will be traveling. Some will suspend a card if they think it’s suspicious activity

Make sure you have your medication that you will need for the length of your stay. Keep it in its original container and keep a list of your medications with you

Purchase Travel Medical coverage for those what-ifs, if you need to supplement your Provincial or Territorial coverage

Purchase the Secure Return Assurance Plan for the really nasty what-if – you died away from home. This is a one time purchase of exceptional coverage for the what-if someone you loved died more than 60 miles or 100 km away from their legal residence in North America

Tell your Estate Trustee where your will is and where your important papers are located

Check with your home insurance policy or company to find out what the time requirements are for having someone check through your home while you are gone

Keep various lights on by using timers. Alternate the lights to go on and off in different rooms at different times

When you know that your home and your health are well protected, you can make the most of your fun in the sun.

If you would like to know more about the Secure Return Assurance Plan or what papers are important and why, please click here and contact me.

As always, I welcome your feedback. You can connect with me via email or telephone, leave a comment here on the site or click the contact tab at the bottom of the screen if you are reading this post on the website. Don’t forget to join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter too!

Until next time

Kat

Katherine Downey is the #1 Funeral Preplanning Professional in Canada for the fourth time. She is a professional educator, author, radio host, licensed funeral director and insurance advisor. To set an appointment or have your questions answered, please contact Kat directly.